Metro Detroit parents have many preschool options, but one innovative model stands out in Romulus: a preschool housed within an elementary school campus.
At Summit Academy North, a charter public school in Romulus, this approach connects preschoolers to their future elementary school for a more seamless transition to kindergarten.
Why does this setup work so well? Preschool Program Director Brenda Vandercook and Lead Preschool Teacher Kristi Irvin share four key benefits for young learners.
How Summit Academy North’s preschool-to-elementary connection benefits young learners in Romulus
- Confidence makes the kindergarten transition easier
When preschool is part of an elementary school, students naturally become comfortable with the school environment long before kindergarten begins, easing that sometimes difficult transition to a child’s first formal elementary school classroom.
“Think in the brain of a five-year-old how scary that would be,” says Irvin, who has taught at both the preschool and kindergarten level.
To help ease the transition, preschoolers visit kindergarten classrooms, meet teachers, and join school-wide events.
In the fall, students walk into kindergarten with confidence instead of first-day jitters. At the start of kindergarten, teachers build on the ‘play with purpose’ learning experiences preschoolers already know.
- Why this matters: Kids feel less anxious and more confident on their first day of kindergarten because they already know their surroundings and the teachers. “I see happy, happy kids walk through the door. And when they’re happy, they’re confident,” says Vandercook.
- A strong foundation prepares students for success
Preschool and kindergarten teachers at Summit Academy North work together to align learning and support students from day one.
In its three Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) classrooms, Summit Academy North uses Creative Curriculum, which is designed to support kindergarten readiness in all areas of development. A fourth preschool classroom is tuition-based and incorporates components of the Creative Curriculum.
- Why this matters: Preschoolers exposed to a high-quality curriculum enter kindergarten ready to learn.
- Community and connection create a sense of belonging
Summit Academy North’s close-knit environment helps young children feel a sense of belonging from the start.
Preschoolers build relationships with teachers and school staff, making the transition to kindergarten even easier. Parents, too, become engaged in the school community early on, staying involved as their child moves through the grades.
- Why this matters: A supportive, welcoming school culture helps children feel safe, happy, and eager to learn. “Families from over 30 communities choose Summit Academy North,” says Vandercook. “We focus on school culture and climate because we know how important it is.”
- A purpose-built space supports early independence
Summit Academy North’s preschool opened in 2020 with one classroom within the elementary school and grew steadily despite pandemic challenges.
As the program grew, the preschool moved into a standalone early childhood center in 2023 — still on the same campus, but designed just for young learners.
Unlike preschools in churches, community centers or daycare settings, Summit Academy North’s early childhood center was built for preschoolers. Low sinks foster independence, a nature-themed design creates a calming atmosphere and an age-appropriate playground encourages exploration and self-sufficiency.
- Why this matters: Many preschools use spaces designed for older children or multi-use purposes. At Summit Academy North, every detail supports preschoolers’ developmental needs, helping them build independence, confidence and essential early learning skills.
How to choose the right preschool for your child
Vandercook and Irvin encourage families to consider what feels right for them.
“You have to go with where you feel best leaving your child,” says Vandercook. “What feeling do you have when you walk into the building? We often hear parents say, ‘My child is happy to go to school every day. They have fun learning and can’t wait to see their teachers and friends.’ That feeling resonates throughout our district.”
Some preschools function as daycare centers, while others, like Summit Academy North, focus on preparing children for elementary school. Understanding these differences helps parents find the best fit.
Above all, Vandercook and Irvin urge parents to trust their instincts and find a program where their child feels safe, supported and excited to learn.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all approach,” Irvin says. “What matters most is that your child is in an environment where they feel happy, engaged and ready to grow.”
This article is sponsored by The Center for Charter Schools at Central Michigan University. Learn more about Summit Academy North. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s Guide to Michigan Charter Schools.
from Metro Parent https://ift.tt/gGSx1ZC
0 comments:
Post a Comment